Overwhelming evidence suggests that a special plant fiber found in flaxseed called lignan can give you added ammunition in the fight against cancer, heart disease and other degenerative diseases. Lignans are active polysaccharides (a special type of carbohydrate) that make up the cell walls of plants. Flaxseed contains 100 to 400 times more lignans than any other known seed.

When flaxseed is processed into oil, the fibrous hulls are squeezed out of the seeds. Usually the oil is then strained, and the excess fiber, called lignans, discarded. However, it has now been found that this formerly cast-away fiber is actually treasure, at least as far as your health is concerned.

A phytochemical-like constituent, lignans have been shown in studies to assist in preventing colon and breast cancers by helping to normalize hormone metabolism. Lignans have also been found to help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. While regular flaxseed oil can be of great benefit to those who take it, flaxseed oil with lignans may be an ever better choice, especially for menopausal women or those at high risk for cancer.

Typical flaxseed oil is a beautiful golden color. Because flaxseed oil with lignans has not been strained in order to preserve its valuable lignan fibers, the oil is darker in color and thicker, with the lignans appearing as dark particles floating in the oil. Over time, the lignans will settle to the bottom of the bottle, so it is wise to shake the bottle well before opening. Many people find it more palatable by mixing it into hot or cold cereal or combining it with vinegar and herbs into a tasty salad dressing.

Clearly, trying any form of flaxseed oil appears to be beneficial in a variety of ways. But using flaxseed oil with lignans seems to be a case of taking something good and making it even better! Fortunately for us, what was once discarded is now considered treasure, at least as far as your health is concerned.